Mission
The mission of the Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) program is to provide undergraduate students with academic and clinical foundations to competently perform as entry-level CT technologists. The curriculum represents elements that are essential in educating technologists in the post-primary practice of CT. Clinical practice experience is designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of CT procedures, radiation safety and total quality management.
Role of the Computed Tomography Technologist
Imaging technologists who specialize in Computed Tomography (CT) operate computerized equipment to take cross-sectional images of patient anatomy. They prepare and position patients for procedures, operate CT equipment to get correct images, and utilize radiation safety practices to minimize radiation exposure to patients. They work with physicians to evaluate the images for proper diagnosis.
Computed Tomography Technologist Certification
The program is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) post-primary Computed Tomography (CT) certification examination.
Overview of the Computed Tomography Program
Qualified candidates for the program are required to have graduated from a JRCERT or regionally accredited radiography or radiation therapy program, or a JRCNMT or regionally accredited nuclear medicine program. The CT program is designed for completion by full-time students in 6 months and requires satisfactory completion of 24 credit hours. The didactic portion of the program will be a completed online. The clinical component will be completed at South College affiliated facilities. The curriculum includes CT physics and instrumentation, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care and safety, imaging techniques and procedures specific to CT imaging, and quality control.
Clinical sites utilized by the program are geographically dispersed. Students may have to travel outside the local area for clinical placements. Some evening and weekend rotations may be required. Students must complete a separate application to the program and secure formal admission.
Learning Outcomes of the Certificate in Computed Tomography Program
Graduates of this program of study will:
- Competently perform CT procedures to obtain diagnostic images.
- Provide appropriate patient care to CT patients.
- Demonstrate ALARA principles to ensure radiation safety.
- Communicate professionally with patients and members of the healthcare team.
- Perform and monitor quality assurance tests.
The program will continually monitor program effectiveness through assessment and evaluation to ensure that the needs of the community are met.
Admission Requirements
General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) program. Applicants interested in this program are required to visit the college and meet individually with an admissions representative and program faculty to ascertain if their goals can be met by the college. Prospective students declaring CT as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following requirements in order to be considered for full admission to the program:
- Meet all South College admission requirements;
- Be a Registered Radiologic Technologist, Radiation Therapist or Nuclear Medicine Technologist (ARRT, NMTCB) in good standing; OR
- Be a graduate of an accredited Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine program and eligible to sit for the ARRT or NMTCB certification examination; AND
- Successfully complete program admission requirements
The program reserves the right to offer conditional admittance. Students admitted on a conditional basis must obtain appropriate primary certification within 1 quarter of being accepted into the program.
Applicants must provide the following:
- Completed South College application for admission and application to the Certificate of CT program.
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate work completed.
- Proof of certification or license.
- $50 application fee (online payment or payment via telephone is available).
The Certificate in Computed Tomography program is currently offered at the Knoxville, Asheville, Atlanta, and Nashville campuses. Didactic courses are offered in an online format and clinical requirements completed at assigned sites.
